“Ask a Muslim Day” participants.

DEARBORN — The University of Michigan-Dearborn’s (UM-D) Students for Islamic Awareness (SIA) hosted “Ask a Muslim Day” on Monday, Oct. 6. The purpose of the event was to answer questions students have about Islam and clear up misconceptions about the faith. 

The event took place at the University Center stage on the UM-D campus. Four executive members sat down, set up a table with chocolates and held up a sign that read, “Ask a Muslim.”

The members sat on stage from 12 to 3 p.m. answering students’ questions as they passed by. Many students noticed the sign and engaged in conversation with one of the members. 

Students asked about such issues as ISIS; uniting different Muslims; airport security and handshakes between men and women, among others. Some university faculty also approached SIA members with a curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the religion. 

 “I was nervous at the beginning of having an anti-Islamic individual approach us and make a scene by debating very loudly,” said Zahra Al-Jemelawy, a member of SIA. “Thankfully, the audience that approached us was very kind and curious.”

Al-Jemelawy described a situation in which one student misinterpreted a verse from the Qur’an as an expression of hatred toward dark-skinned people. When she explained that Islam does not preach discrimination and that it teaches equality between all, the student replied, “How come we never learn about this?”

“Such events are in dire need in times like these where Islamophobia is spreading across the globe,” Al-Jemelawy said. 

Manal Makki, another member of SIA, explained that events like these on campus are vital to give students a chance to ask practicing Muslims what they would not necessarily learn from the media. 

“I felt as I was able to change certain perceptions people had about what it means to be a Muslim and clear some of the misconceptions that have been projected about Islam,” she said.